Delicious Chicken Salad with Grapes makes for the ultimate chicken salad sandwich! This recipe is easy to mix together with cooked chicken, grapes, green onions, chopped pecans and mayonnaise. It’s perfect for a hearty lunch, parties, and special events. Serve it on a lettuce wrap, your favorite bread or a croissant roll for a fancy touch!.
This chicken salad with grapes recipe is great for lunch or a light dinner, and it doesn’t take much work to put together. We like to use shredded rotisserie chicken, so there is zero amount of cooking required. Simply shred up the chicken, mix in all the other ingredients, and let it chill until you’re ready to eat. That dish tastes great on buttery croissants, sandwich bread, or in a tortilla wrap. It’s great to make ahead of time. We even love to enjoy it with crackers!.
I know, there are tons of chicken salad recipes out there, but this one is by far the best I’ve ever tasted!.
This easy chicken salad recipe comes from Joanna Gaines and it is sure to please! It’s sweet, savory and satisfying. Since visiting Magnolia Table in Waco, and enjoying it for lunch, I’ve been dying to recreate it. This classic chicken salad recipe was in The Magnolia Table cookbook that Joanna Gaines lent to my sister. I was so excited to find it. Plus a lot of other recipes I can’t wait to try in the cookbook. But first, this simple chicken salad with grapes recipe!
The great thing about this chicken salad with grapes recipe is that it only requires a handful of simple wholesome ingredients! Feel free to add in any extras that you love, like pickles and fresh dill for a little tang. Here’s everything you’ll need to make it:
For me, this recipe couldn’t get any more delicious! Make this for your next lunch gathering, shower, barbecue or for the tastiest lunch!
Chicken salad is a classic dish that can be customized in endless ways One of the best ways to add flavor, texture, and nutrition is by adding nuts With so many options to choose from, what nuts go best in chicken salad?
Here is a complete guide to picking the perfect nuts to pair with chicken salad.
The Benefits of Adding Nuts to Chicken Salad
Nuts offer several benefits that make them a smart addition to chicken salad:
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Taste—Nuts vary in how much flavor they add, from the mild nuttiness of cashews to the strong crunch of walnuts. They complement the flavor of chicken beautifully.
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Texture – The crunch of nuts is a delightful contrast to the tender, creamy chicken in the salad. They add an exciting new dimension.
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Nutrition – Most nuts provide healthy fats, protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They boost the nutritional value of the salad.
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Satiety: Nuts make you feel full longer after eating, which is called satiation. This makes chicken salad with nuts a satisfying meal.
With all of these benefits, it’s clear why nuts are an important part of chicken salad. Now let’s explore the best options.
The 7 Best Nuts for Chicken Salad
1. Almonds
A lot of people like to put almonds in chicken salad, and for good reason. Their mildly sweet, nutty flavor pairs perfectly with chicken. Chopped almonds give it a satisfying crunch, and slivered almonds make it look interesting. Their high protein and fiber keep you feeling full. Do not use smoked or flavored almonds in chicken salad. Instead, use raw almonds.
2. Walnuts
Walnuts have a robust, woodsy flavor that holds its own in chicken salad. Their crunch stands out against tender chicken. Walnuts are rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid with anti-inflammatory benefits. For the boldest flavor, use walnut pieces or halves rather than chopping them.
3. Pecans
Buttery, sweet pecans add incredible richness to chicken salad. Their indulgent flavor balances the lightness of the chicken. Chopped or halved pecans blend into the salad seamlessly. Pecans contain antioxidants that support heart health. Toasted pecans bring even more flavor.
4. Pistachios
Vibrant green pistachios add appealing color and visual flair to chicken salad. Their sweet, earthy flavor and addictive crunch make them a fun addition. Pistachios contain more potassium than bananas, which helps regulate blood pressure. Try roasted and salted pistachios for the ultimate flavor.
5. Cashews
Mild, almost sweet cashews allow the chicken flavor to take center stage while adding creaminess. Chopped cashews seamlessly meld into the salad, while whole cashews provide pops of texture. High in magnesium, cashews promote bone health and relaxation. Raw cashews work best rather than salted or roasted.
6. Peanuts
Don’t overlook peanuts – they add homey flavor and hearty crunch to chicken salad at an affordable price point. Peanuts contain more protein than any other nut, offering a satisfying nutrition boost. Chopped peanuts blend in easily. For more texture, add some crunchy peanut halves.
7. Hazelnuts
Underrated hazelnuts deserve more attention in chicken salads. They have a sweet, nutty flavor that enhances but doesn’t overwhelm the chicken. Toasted hazelnuts add crunch and irresistible aroma. Hazelnuts offer the highest folate content of any nut, which is important for cell growth and development.
Tips for Using Nuts in Chicken Salad
- Focus on 1-2 complementary nuts rather than mixing too many.
- Add nuts in moderation – they can overpower the salad quickly. Start with 1/4 to 1/2 cup per 3-4 cups of chicken salad.
- Toast or roast nuts to maximize flavor before adding to the salad.
- Chop nuts to seamlessly blend into the salad, or leave whole for pops of texture.
- Store chicken salad with nuts in the refrigerator and use within 3-5 days for freshness.
Simple Pairings to Try
Here are a few classic nut pairings to inspire your next chicken salad creation:
- Chicken Salad with Toasted Almonds and Dried Cranberries
- Curried Chicken Salad with Cashews and Golden Raisins
- Cajun Chicken Salad with Pecans and Red Onion
- Thai Chicken Salad with Peanuts and Lime Vinaigrette
- Chicken Salad with Pistachios, Celery, and Fresh Dill
The options are endless when pairing nuts with chicken salad. Whether you prefer a sweet or savory profile, crunchy texture, or pop of color, there’s a nut to match your tastes. So don’t hold back – it’s time to go nuts with your next chicken salad!
The Bottom Line
Nuts add tremendously to the taste, texture, nutrition, and satisfaction level of chicken salad. While classic almonds, walnuts, and pecans are sure bets, don’t be afraid to branch out with pistachios, peanuts, hazelnuts, and more. Mix and match different nuts to create your own signature chicken salad masterpiece. Just remember to use nuts in moderation to allow the chicken flavor to still shine through. With the right nut pairings, your chicken salad game will be taken to the next level!
How to make this recipe
Let me show you how easy it is to whip up this tasty lunch!
When you have everything you need for chicken salad ready, all you have to do is mix it all together in a big bowl. Here’s the simple process:
- Prep the ingredients. Get all of the ingredients together. Shred the chicken, cut the grapes into slices, chop the pecans, and cut the green onion (or chives) into slices.
- Stir salad ingredients. Add everything to the bowl, along with the mayonnaise and salt.
- Serve and enjoy your tasty and healthy lunch! I told you this chicken salad recipe was simple! It’s full of flavor, quick to make, and very filling thanks to all the protein.
Chicken salad sandwiches are great with just the bread and salad, but we especially love to add extra ingredients for irresistible flavor and texture. Plus, many of these ideas also add nutrients. Here are some sandwich add-ons to try:
- Add sliced pickles or celery for extra crunch.
- I’m always a fan of avocado slices on my sandwich.
- Add lettuce or salad greens to the top of the salad to make it taste fresh.
- Adding sprouts, pea shoots, or fresh herbs is a great way to add color, texture, and fiber.
- Bacon slices make any sandwich more delicious! Wouldn’t you agree?!
- Add a slice of fresh juicy tomato. When we have garden tomatoes, I have to do this!
From spices to extra chicken salad ingredients, there are many ways to add extra flavor. The grapes in this recipe add sweetness that’s a nice contrast with the other savory flavors. You can also add red onion or dijon mustard for a little zip, parsley for freshness and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness. Add salt and black pepper to taste!.
It really depends on the recipe and how it’s served, but this specific recipe includes very simple whole food ingredients. The lean chicken gives this a nice boost of protein while the grapes, pecans and green onions add other nutrients. To decrease the fat, substitute all or part of the mayo with Greek yogurt to make the chicken salad dressing, and for a low-carb option, serve it on lettuce cups.
Chicken salad is best when it’s served chilled. We recommend letting the mixture chill in the fridge 1 to 2 hours before serving. This also helps all the flavors meld together and intensify for the tastiest dish.
Serving chicken salad with grapes can be done in a lot of different ways. Here are some ideas:
- Sandwich. Chicken salad is usually put on sandwich bread, and even though it’s very easy to make, it tastes great. You can make it more interesting by putting it on toasted bagel, croissant, or brioche bread. I thought that the BEST way to serve the chicken salad sandwich at The Magnolia Table was on croissants.
- In lettuce cups. When you want something really light and low in carbs, chicken salad in lettuce cups is a great choice. So fresh and crisp!.
- With crackers or chips. I have to say, I think it’s amazing that my kids love to put chicken salad on buttery crackers. It’s also good as a dip for chips or crackers.
- Wrapped in a tortilla. Put some of this in a tortilla or wrap to make a chicken salad wrap.
This salad is fabulous as-is, but you can easily swap out the ingredients to customize the flavors to your tastes. Here’s some ideas:
- Different fruit. If you don’t have grapes, you can add raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped apple. You could also just omit the grapes.
- Nuts. You can use any kind of nuts you want instead of pecans in this recipe. Almonds, walnuts, or cashews are some. Not a fan of nuts? They are completely optional.
- Low-fat chicken salad. For an avocado chicken salad, use sour cream and mashed avocado instead of mayo. Or, to make it low-fat, use Greek yogurt instead of some or all of the mayo.
- Chicken. This chicken salad tastes great with rotisserie chicken, but you can use any cooked chicken you already have on hand. Try our delicious baked chicken breasts. Canned chicken works too.
- BBQ chicken salad. To make it BBQ, leave out the pecans and grapes and add two to three tablespoons of your favorite BBQ sauce in place of some of the mayonnaise.
- Seasoning. You can change the taste of this recipe by adding things like mustard, garlic, paprika, or curry powder. You can make it spicy with chipotle seasoning and lime juice or a pinch of cayenne pepper and pickled jalapeños.
It’s really simple to make this salad, but here are some tips to make sure it always tastes great!
- Even though this recipe only takes 10 minutes to make, I like to put it in the fridge for at least an hour so the flavors can meld.
- Chicken salad shouldn’t be frozen because the mayo will separate when it thaws. The cooked chicken can be frozen and then defrosted in the fridge the day before the salad is made. On the day of the salad, add the other fresh ingredients.
- This is a great recipe to make ahead of time at the start of the week for easy lunches on the go. It’s also my go-to when I know I have a lot to do. You will never want to buy chicken salad again!
This healthy chicken salad with grapes is so tasty there probably won’t be leftovers! But if there is, it will keep fresh in the fridge for up to about 4 days. That means, this recipe totally works for meal prep! Store it in an airtight container for best results. Give it a good stir when you’re ready to serve it.
Don’t leave it out at room temperature for more than two hours for food safety.
More delicious salad recipes
Looking for more easy salad recipes to whip up? Try these other favorites!
If you try this recipe, let me know! Leave a comment and if your family loves it as much as mine does, be sure to give it a five star ⭐️ rating! Also, tag @kimscravings on Instagram with a picture of your creation. Be sure to subscribe to our mailing list to receive more healthy delicious recipes straight to your inbox.
How to Make Chicken Salad | Chicken Salad Recipe | Lunch Ideas | Canned Chicken Recipes
FAQ
What nuts go well with salad?
Nuts Nuts also go extremely well with salads, be it the warm or the cold kind. Almonds, walnuts, pine nuts, and cashew nuts are all great to add to salads because they make them crunchier, taste better, and are healthier.
What is a good chicken salad?
Chicken shreds, ripe avocado, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and chili flakes are what you need to make avocado chicken salad. Taste & Look: Green, creamy, and fresh with zesty notes. It’s a great mayo-free option and tastes fantastic on toast. 5. Curry Chicken Salad.
What’s in a chicken salad?
Ingredients: Boiled chicken, Duke’s mayo, chopped hard-boiled eggs, sweet relish, and a hint of mustard. Taste & Look: Creamy and tangy with little pops of sweetness. It has that nostalgic Southern charm—perfect for a summer picnic or sandwich. 3. Chicken Waldorf Salad.
What’s in a southern chicken salad?
2. Southern Chicken Salad Ingredients: Boiled chicken, Duke’s mayo, chopped hard-boiled eggs, sweet relish, and a hint of mustard. Taste & Look: Creamy and tangy with little pops of sweetness. It has that nostalgic Southern charm—perfect for a summer picnic or sandwich.
What is in a rotisserie chicken salad?
Rotisserie Chicken Salad Ingredients: Pulled store-bought rotisserie chicken, mayo, celery, and a bit of Dijon mustard. Taste & Look: Easy, fast, and flavorful. The rotisserie chicken adds depth and smokiness to the creamy base. 14. Tarragon Chicken Salad Ingredients: Poached chicken, fresh tarragon, mayo, lemon juice, and grapes.
What are the ingredients in a Mediterranean chicken salad?
Mediterranean Chicken Salad Ingredients: Chicken breast, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, kalamata olives, feta, olive oil, and oregano. Taste & Look: A colorful, hearty mix with bold, salty flavors. Light and fresh but still super satisfying.
What nuts go best in salad?
For salads, I like toasted pecans, toasted almonds, and pine nuts. They add vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and protein.
Are there nuts in chicken salad?
Yes, nuts are a common addition to chicken salad, providing a pleasant crunch and flavor.
What should be in a chicken salad?
Key Ingredients in Chicken SaladChicken. Skip the hassle of cooking the chicken yourself and pick up a rotisserie chicken. Alliums. Finely chopped red onion or scallions up the flavor. Celery. Finely chopped celery adds some crunch. Grapes. Dill. Mayo. Celery Seed.
What are the four ingredients in chicken salad?
Ingredients3 cups cooked chicken diced. 1/4 cup finely diced celery. 1/4 cup finely diced red onion. 1/2 cup salad dressing, mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. salt & pepper if needed.